Well, I've finally done it and made an appointment at St. Barnabus for February
27th.  That gives me time to have my second and last PCT this month and get a
referral from my primary care physician (that's right -- my OB/GYN is not
allowed to give me a referral to an RE) and send copies of my medical records
over.  My insurance plan (Merrill Lynch Blue Cross/Blue Shield) listed both Dr.
Sable and Dr. Bergh as being "in network," so I'll only be responsible for a
co-payment of $15 each visit (covers diagnostics, ultrasounds, labwork).  I'm
responsible for 20% of drug costs and artificial inseminations and IVF (max. of
3 tries) after meeting a $1200 deductible.  I guess that's pretty good
considering the insurance company horror stories I've been hearing!

I was disappointed to see that Dr. Scott and Dr. Robin were not listed on the
plan, but I've heard that once you get into treatment at St. Barnabus, you're
likely to see any of the doctors, depending on the time of your appt.  I'm
hoping that this won't be a problem and that they're all covered by my
insurance co.  (I'll definitely be checking this out ahead of time to avoid
even more stress.)

So -- since I've heard that Dr. Bergh is not entirely sociable and not good for
us folks who are "chatty," I went with Dr. Sable.  Anyone have feedback on this
doctor?  The CDC statistics on St. Barnabus are extremely positive.  In fact,
their success rates seem much higher than any of the other infertility centers
in NJ.  (I'd been considering the Cooper Center in Marlton, NJ, but their rates
of success seemed much lower.)

Any opinions are welcomed!!!

Lauren

Lauren,

As an infertile woman, I have been a volunteer  in NJ support groups  for
almost 3 years.  During that time, I havebecome friends with a MINIMUM of 15
couples who had gone to other IVF centers, tried a couple of cycles, and been
given little or no hope of IVF working.  They then went to St. B.  

In fact, even doctors at St. B had guarded prognosis for several of them.  
However, *every* one of these couples (whom I am friends or co-voluntees  with)
became pregnant.  Only 3 of them with multiples, by the way.   Unbelievably, I
also just found out that my *boss* is having triplets, after her very first IVF
at St. B!  Talk about an understanding supervisor!

Through these friends, it was a joy to learn about the precise protocols at St.
B - the co-culture, bovine fallopian tube cells, steroids, antibiotics, etc. --
protocols which work!  Not to mention the premier medical staff and
embryologists.

Wishing I could afford to go there,  I listened and learned about each of the
doctors, who had a terrific bedside manner, who listened more.   I heard Dr.
Scott speak at several RESOLVE symposiums, and he was absolutely brilliant.  
It was invaluable "training ground" as I am finally going to use their program.
 My new job has GREAT insurance - which covers infertility and IVF.

I waited a longer time so that I could see Dr. Scott - who I have heard from a
number of sources is extremely honest and candid about the downside as well as
upside.   Some might even say brutally honest with you.    And I need that at
this stage, after two failed IVFs at another center.

So, I think your appointment is super!

Lastly, regarding the physicians - and yes, it is true that you see whichever
doctor is on board that day   --  Dr. Sable  volunteers on the online
infertility ( INCIID) bulletin board and answers our infertility questions and
boy, are his replies insightful, encouraging and right on the money.

So, in a nutshell, we are in the right place!

Beth

Lauren,

I have a friend who has three children all conceived through St Barnabus.
Her dr is Dr Scott. She has nothing but wonderful things to say about him.
By the way, I also have Merrill Lynch Blue Cross/Blue Shield. So far they
have paid out on everything. The prescriptions are a headache but I'm
getting my IF drugs from Croatia and the insurance is accepting the bills.
Best of luck to you!

Jennifer

I've been going to St. Barnabas for one and a half years now, and I have had
all of the doctors at least once! I had a serious concern and discussed it with
Dr. Sable during a sonogram, and he was great. Dr. Bergh was fine too. I would
go with any of them. I have a lot of confidence in the program.

Good luck!

Joanne

I've been to Dr. Bergh and I found him to be very nice.  My friend loved him
(IVF success 1st time).  He diagnosed and treated my friend who had lots of
problems.  She recommended him because she knew that no matter what he would
tell the truth about our chances of success.  They are simply the best there.
Good luck!
 - Carolyn (CLBe...@aol.com)

YOu can converse with Dr. Sable on the IVF and HIgh Tech BB at the INCIID
site -- He answers patient questions daily.
http://www.inciid.org/interact.html

In November we went thru IVF at St. Barnabus and became pregnant. We
were seen by all the Doctors in the practice.  We were amazed at the
accessibility and concern displayed by everyone connected with St.
Barnabus from the nurses to the embryologists to the doctors.  This is
a world-class organization with people that display genuine empathy
and concern for their patients.  As for Dr. Sable, we found him to be
very skilled and extremely involved and caring.  I highly recommend
him as well as the other drs. If you want to deal with the best, I
suggest you investigate St. Barnabus.

        Any questions please feel free to email us at lpl...@ix.netcom.com